By Osman Hashim
Wa, (UW/R), July 13, GNA – Alhaji Yahaya Sadugu, Chairman of the Upper West Regional Football Association (RFA), has urged the region’s two Division One League clubs to strive for excellence to make the region proud in the upcoming Access Bank Division One League season.
He expressed confidence in the quality of the clubs, Kalibi SC and Power SC, and commended them for striving to reach that level, but stressed the need for adequate preparation to compete successfully at the national level.
Alhaji Sadugu, popularly known as Alhaji Biyad, who said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa at the weekend, identified financial constraints as one of the biggest challenges confronting clubs from the region.
He noted that many teams that secured promotion in the past struggled to sustain themselves after reaching Division One, partly due to financial challenges.
“The greatest threat to the survival of Division One clubs in the Upper West Region has been financial capitulation right after a successful promotion”, he said.
The Regional RFA Chairman said the immediate objective for the newly promoted Kalibi SC should be to retain their Division One status by avoiding relegation in their debut campaign.
He commended the core group of local players who secured the club’s promotion but advised the management to strengthen the squad by recruiting experienced players from outside the region.
Alhaji Sadugu explained that the Division One League is far more competitive and physically demanding than Division Two, making squad reinforcement essential for survival and long-term success.
“I think that both teams need to recruit externally experienced talent to reinforce their existing squads ahead of the new football season”, he said.
He also called on football enthusiasts in the region to maintain the enthusiasm and support they demonstrated during the Division Two Middle League hosted in Tumu.
The Regional RFA Chairman further disclosed that the Association was collaborating with clubs, stadium management and supporters to promote discipline and improve match-day experiences.
He said the initiative would focus on preventing fan violence and vandalism of stadium facilities while enhancing publicity, increasing spectator attendance and strengthening security arrangements at league centres across the region.
Alhaji Sadugu expressed optimism that with proper planning, financial discipline, quality recruitment and unwavering support from fans, the region’s Division One clubs would compete favourably and elevate the profile of football in the region.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade